In brief
Recent incidents in the Red Sea have led to the severing of multiple submarine cables, disrupting internet access across countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Experts suggest that commercial shipping activities, particularly anchors dragging on shallow cables, are to blame for this vulnerability. The incident underscores concerns over the security and resilience of global internet infrastructure.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A ship is suspected of having cut undersea cables in the Red Sea, resulting in widespread internet disruptions across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Experts have highlighted the inherent vulnerabilities of these cables, particularly after a similar incident occurred last year. According to the International Cable Protection Committee, 15 submarine cables are situated within the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The recent cable cuts include significant ones like the South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4 and the India-Middle East-Western Europe cables. Authorities and cable management companies are currently investigating, but no formal acknowledgments have been made regarding the exact circumstances leading to the disruptions. Doug Madory, director of internet analysis at Kentik, indicated that approximately 10 nations have felt the impact, with notable disruptions reported in India, Pakistan, and the UAE. An initial assessment suggests that commercial shipping activities may have caused the damage, particularly as damage from dragged anchors constitutes about 30% of annual incidents involving submarine cables. Moving forward, global internet security remains a critical topic, especially amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and threats, including those from Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have previously targeted similar maritime infrastructures.
